No additional funding has been allocated to the nine public bodies set to enforce the EU AI Act, according to a survey by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. The lack of resources may hinder these bodies’ ability to protect individuals from AI-related harms as they prepare for new responsibilities.
The EU AI Act, adopted on June 13, 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive law to regulate artificial intelligence, marking a shift from voluntary ethics to mandatory governance. It establishes a risk-based approach to AI regulation, categorizing systems based on their potential impact on fundamental rights and safety.
Concerns about the existential risks posed by highly capable AI systems range from loss of control to potential extinction. While some industry leaders believe we are close to achieving superintelligent AI, there are more immediate risks and challenges that need to be addressed first.
Pope Leo XIV has called for global frameworks to ethically govern artificial intelligence, emphasizing its use in service of humanity and peace. He warned that as AI evolves, it is essential to reflect on its ethical implications and ensure that its development is guided by responsibility and the common good.